Tip of the Week - August 10, 2016 - When to Stop for School Buses

It's back-to-school time once again and that means more school buses are on the road, stopping to board or drop-off children.  So when are you required to stop for school buses? 

California law requires that you always stop when approaching a school bus that is travelling in the same direction you are, when its red lights are flashing regardless of the type of roadway you are driving on.  You must remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing.   If you approach the school bus from the opposite direction the bus is traveling, you must also stop, unless you are on a multi-lane (two or more in each direction lanes) or a divided highway, in that case, you do not need to stop.

"Always play it safe and slow down when a school bus or pedestrians are in your vicinity," said CSLEA Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman.  "If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, don't blow passed it using another lane or the bike lane, or the shoulder of the road.  Always expect the unexpected.  We want everyone to arrive at their destinations in one piece.  Saving a few seconds or saving a life? We all know which is more important."